Ryan Shazier was injured at the start of December.
Photograph: John Grieshop/Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has been released from hospital six weeks after a severe spinal injury sustained during a brutal game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Shazier was injured making a tackle during the game at the start of December, and underwent spine stabilization surgery a few days later. Since then he has visited his team-mates and the Steelers’ Heinz Field for games but has had to return to hospital each night. Previous photos Shazier had posted on Instagram showed him in a wheelchair but on Thursday he was pictured standing and smiling next to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, although he is supported by his team-mate.

“I want everyone to know that I’m moving on to the next step of the process,” wrote Shazier underneath the picture with Roethlisberger. “Today’s a big day for me as I’m officially being released from the hospital.” The 25-year-old went on to thank God, his family, medical staff and the Steelers for their support.

Steelers-Bengals brutality a reminder life-altering violence is at NFL's core

Read more

Shazier’s injury shocked his team-mates and opponents, and several Steelers were in tears immediately after he was injured. Shazier initially lost feeling in his legs although it is understood that has since been regained.

The Steelers and Shazier’s family have kept details of his progress private. “He’s much better,” his father Vernon told Pittsburgh’s WPXI-TV in January, “but we’ve agreed to keep his progress private until he’s ready to share where he’s at.”